Relative tectonic activity assessment of Kutahya Graben (Western Anatolia): Insights from geomorphic indices


Kezer Z., ÖZSAYIN E.

TURKISH JOURNAL OF EARTH SCIENCES, vol.31, no.4, pp.393-409, 2022 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 31 Issue: 4
  • Publication Date: 2022
  • Doi Number: 10.55730/1300-0985.1808
  • Journal Name: TURKISH JOURNAL OF EARTH SCIENCES
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, Geobase, INSPEC, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
  • Page Numbers: pp.393-409
  • Keywords: Tectonic geomorphology, morphometry, seismic activity, K?tahya Graben, Western Anatolia, METAMORPHIC CORE COMPLEX, MENDERES MASSIF, EVOLUTION, BASIN, FAULT, EXTENSION, SYSTEM, TURKEY, UPLIFT, PLIOCENE
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Astract: Western Anatolia is known as one of the most seismically active regions in the world, consistent with earthquakes having a magnitude >6.0. The deformation in the region is predominantly controlled by normal faults, which play significant role on the morphological features as well as depositional processes in related grabens. WNW-trending K??tahya Graben is located at the northeastern part of this province and bounded by several N-and S-dipping active normal fault segments. This study aims to investigate the relative tectonic activity among the fault segments of the K??tahya Graben using geomorphic indices. The analyses of this study include mountain-front sinuosity (Smf: 1.06???1.92), triangular facets (Lf/Ls: 0.11???0.94), valley floor width-to valley height ratio (Vf: 0.19???2.83), hypsometric curve and integral (HI: 0.34???0.48), asymmetry factor, stream length-gradient, and relative tectonic activity indexes. These indices suggest relatively higher uplift rates (>0.5 mm/yr) and tectonic activity for the southern margin of the graben where K??tahya city center is located. Thus, southern segments of the K??tahya Graben need further attention in terms of regional seismic hazard.